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Mitsubishi WD380U EST Review | 85 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£1,080
  • ANSI lumens: 2800
  • Native panel resolution: 1280x800
  • Throw ratio: 0.375:1

Mitsubishi WD380U EST review. Compare 85 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among projectors and if it is worth buying.

5.2

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the projector's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best projectors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.9

Technical Score

10.0%

8.5

User score

Good
4.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the projector's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, brightness, contrast, connectivity, gaming features, smart features, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

42.0%

6.1

Image Quality

22.0%

4.0

Projection & Lens

12.0%

4.4

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

4.4

Audio & Features

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

3.8

Design & Power

Poor
8.5

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.

When it matters: When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

7.8

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.9
(232)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 7.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    ?

    Input lag

    25.0%

    10

    Refresh rate

    20.0%

    7.2

    Output Resolution

    10.0%

    1.0

    HDR10 support

    10.0%

    5.0

    Audio output power

  • 4.9
    Portable

    Score components:

    35.0%

    8.2

    Weight

    20.0%

    ?

    Has A Built-In Speaker

    15.0%

    1.0

    Bluetooth connectivity

    15.0%

    1.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    15.0%

    1.0

    Smart TV features

  • 4.3
    Home theatre

    Score components:

    30.0%

    7.2

    Output Resolution

    25.0%

    1.0

    HDR10 support

    20.0%

    1.0

    Dolby Vision support

    15.0%

    7.7

    ANSI lumens

    10.0%

    5.2

    Audible noise

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Mitsubishi WD380U-EST is a high-performance ultra-short-throw DLP projector designed for classrooms and conference rooms, offering a native WXGA (1280x800) resolution and 2,800 ANSI lumens of brightness. Key characteristics include a remarkable 0.375:1 throw ratio that can project an 80-inch diagonal image from just 26 inches away, a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, and a lamp life that extends up to 6,000 hours in Eco mode. Main pros include its space-saving filter-free design, 3D-ready capabilities via DLP Link, and versatile connectivity options like HDMI and USB for PC-free presentations, alongside a built-in 10W speaker with unique audio-mixing features. However, potential cons include the lack of an optical zoom lens, which can make initial setup and precise alignment time-consuming, and a remote control that some users find cluttered with small, difficult-to-read buttons.

Technical Specifications of Mitsubishi WD380U EST

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the projector's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, brightness, contrast, connectivity, gaming features, smart features, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

42.0%

6.1

Image Quality

22.0%

4.0

Projection & Lens

12.0%

4.4

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

4.4

Audio & Features

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

3.8

Design & Power

4.9
Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a technical score of 4.86 points, which is lower than 87.1% of projectors.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.

When it matters: When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

7.8

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.9
(232)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.5
Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a user score of 8.46 points, which is higher than 81.4% of projectors.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the projector.
When it matters: When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
10
Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 83.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.2

Overall score

40.0%

4.8

Price

5.1
Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.1 points, which is lower than 81.8% of products in this category.
ANSI lumens
What it is: Brightness output measured in ANSI lumens.
When it matters: When you watch with ambient light or on a large screen, higher brightness matters.

Importance: HIGH

2,800
Mitsubishi WD380U EST reaches 2800 ANSI lumens, brighter than 62.7% of projectors and equal to 1.2% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
What it is: Ratio of brightest white to darkest black displayed by the projector.
When it matters: When you watch movies in a dark room, stronger contrast matters.

Importance: HIGH

3,000:1
Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a contrast ratio of 3000:1, lower than 61.7% of projectors and equal to 5.8% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
What it is: Native resolution of the display panel or imaging device.
When it matters: When picture sharpness matters enough that you want to know the projector's true native imaging resolution, not just supported input formats.

Importance: HIGH

1280x800
Mitsubishi WD380U EST uses a native resolution of 1280x800, lower than 74.6% of projectors and equal to 7.8% of projectors.
Output Resolution
What it is: The resolution the projector can actually display through its imaging system.
When it matters: When you want to know the actual image detail the projector can put on screen rather than just the source format it accepts.

Importance: HIGH

1280x800
Mitsubishi WD380U EST supports output resolution up to 1280x800, lower than 75.9% of projectors and equal to 7.9% of projectors.
Projection technology
What it is: Projection imaging technology used by the projector.
When it matters: When color character, contrast behavior, and overall image personality matter before you compare brightness alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
What it is: Ratio between projection distance and image width.
When it matters: When room size and screen size have to match properly instead of guessing whether the projector will fit the space.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.375:1
Min throw distance
What it is: Minimum distance required between projector and screen.
When it matters: When room depth is limited and you still need a large image from a short placement distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.52 m
Mitsubishi WD380U EST needs a minimum throw distance of 0.52 m, shorter than 87.3% of projectors.
Max projection size
What it is: Maximum supported image size for projection, measured diagonally.
When it matters: When you want a cinema-size picture, maximum projection size matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

180 inch
Mitsubishi WD380U EST supports projection sizes up to 180 inch, smaller than 64.3% of projectors and equal to 1.3% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
What it is: Optical zoom capability expressed as a ratio.
When it matters: When projector placement is not ideal and you need optical zoom to frame the image correctly.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Motorized zoom
What it is: Motorized control of the optical zoom function.
When it matters: When the projector position is fixed but screen size or framing still needs to be adjusted from a distance.

Importance: LOW

no
Mitsubishi WD380U EST does not have motorized zoom. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
Show more
Input lag
What it is: Time delay between input signal and displayed image, measured in milliseconds.
When it matters: When gaming responsiveness matters and you want controls to feel more immediate on fast titles.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
What it is: Automatically reduces input lag when gaming.
When it matters: When you play fast games, lower latency matters.

Importance: LOW

no
Mitsubishi WD380U EST does not support ALLM. 20.3% of projectors support ALLM.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
What it is: Support for variable refresh rate to reduce screen tearing.
When it matters: When gaming matters and you want the projector to handle variable frame rates with less tearing or stutter.

Importance: LOW

no
Mitsubishi WD380U EST does not support VRR. 1.9% of projectors support VRR.
HDMI version
What it is: Version of the HDMI standard supported.
When it matters: When source devices push newer HDMI features, refresh rates, or bandwidth levels that older ports may limit.

Importance: LOW

?
Max HDMI bandwidth
What it is: Maximum bandwidth supported by HDMI inputs, measured in Gbps.
When it matters: When newer consoles, gaming PCs, or media boxes need more HDMI throughput than older projectors can handle.

Importance: LOW

4.95 Gbps
Mitsubishi WD380U EST supports HDMI bandwidth up to 4.95 Gbps, lower than 97.7% of projectors and equal to 2.2% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
What it is: Number of available HDMI input ports.
When it matters: When you need a console, streamer, set-top box, and another source connected at the same time without swapping cables.

Importance: LOW

1
Mitsubishi WD380U EST has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 54.6% of projectors and equal to 42.2% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Support for Wi-Fi network connectivity.
When it matters: When the projector should handle network features, updates, or streaming functions without needing wired Ethernet only.

Importance: LOW

no
Mitsubishi WD380U EST does not support Wi-Fi. 52.7% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: Supported Wi-Fi standard version.
When it matters: When wireless stability and throughput matter for streaming, updates, or projector ecosystem features.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Support for Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
When it matters: When you plan to pair wireless speakers, headphones, remotes, or other accessories directly with the projector.

Importance: LOW

no
Mitsubishi WD380U EST does not support Bluetooth. 50% of projectors support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Supported Bluetooth version.
When it matters: When wireless accessory compatibility and connection quality matter beyond Bluetooth being a simple checkbox.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
What it is: Includes built-in Smart TV functions or operating system.
When it matters: When you prefer built-in apps and streaming convenience instead of adding an external media stick or box.

Importance: LOW

no
Mitsubishi WD380U EST does not have smart TV features. 43.8% of projectors have smart TV features.
Operating system
What it is: The built-in software platform that runs the projector interface, streaming apps, and smart features.
When it matters: When you care about which apps are available, how modern the smart interface feels, and whether the projector includes a built-in streaming platform.

Importance: LOW

none
Android OS

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Dedicated smartphone app
What it is: Availability of a dedicated smartphone control app.
When it matters: When you want setup, input switching, or basic control handled from your phone without always reaching for a remote.

Importance: LOW

no
Mitsubishi WD380U EST does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 35.6% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
What it is: Comes with a dedicated remote control for operation.
When it matters: When you want easier everyday control without extra gear, built-in convenience features matter.

Importance: LOW

yes
Mitsubishi WD380U EST includes a remote control. 1.6% of projectors include a remote control.
Show more
Light source type
What it is: Type of light source used by the projector.
When it matters: When maintenance expectations, startup behavior, brightness stability, and long-term running costs all matter in the buying decision.

Importance: LOW

lamp
Mitsubishi WD380U EST uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 67.1% of projectors and equal to 33% of projectors.
Laser Light Source
What it is: Whether the projector uses a laser light source instead of a traditional lamp.
When it matters: When lower maintenance, faster startup, and a lamp-free light engine matter over the long term.

Importance: LOW

no
Mitsubishi WD380U EST does not use a laser light source. 28.1% of projectors use a laser light source.
Lamp life
What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in standard mode, measured in hours.
When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

Importance: LOW

3,000 hours
Mitsubishi WD380U EST offers lamp life of 3000 hours, longer than 91% of projectors and equal to 4.5% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in eco mode, measured in hours.
When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

Importance: LOW

6,000 hours
Mitsubishi WD380U EST offers eco-mode lamp life of 6000 hours, longer than 79.5% of projectors and equal to 7% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
What it is: Average power consumption during normal operation.
When it matters: When electricity use and heat output matter because the projector runs for long sessions or frequent daily use.

Importance: LOW

340 W
Mitsubishi WD380U EST uses 340 W of power, more than 80.2% of projectors and equal to 1.1% of projectors.
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Mitsubishi WD380U EST vs the average projector

  • 3 more audio input ports
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has more audio input ports than the average projector (3 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    Includes RCA stereo input.
    What it is: Number of analog audio input ports available.
    When it matters: When you connect several devices at the same time, port count matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has more audio input ports than the average projector (3 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.3 vs 0
  • 0.54 m shorter throw distance
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.5 m vs 1.06 m). The average projector has 1.06 m of throw distance.
    What it is: Minimum distance required between projector and screen.
    When it matters: When room depth is limited and you still need a large image from a short placement distance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.5 m vs 1.06 m). The average projector has 1.06 m of throw distance.0.52 m vs 1.06 m
  • 27.3% brighter image
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (2,800 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    What it is: Brightness output measured in ANSI lumens.
    When it matters: When you watch with ambient light or on a large screen, higher brightness matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (2,800 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.2,800 vs 2,200
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    What it is: Number of screen refreshes per second, measured in hertz.
    When it matters: When motion clarity matters for gaming, sports, or fast-moving video instead of slower cinematic content only.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 0.18 inch larger DMD chip
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.7 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    What it is: Size of the DMD chip, measured in inches.
    When it matters: When fine image detail matters and you want more hardware context behind how sharp the picture may look on a large screen.

    Importance: LOW

    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.7 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.0.65 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    What it is: Number of RJ-45 Ethernet ports available.
    When it matters: When wired network or control connections matter and one Ethernet jack may not be enough for the setup.

    Importance: LOW

    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB ports
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    What it is: Number of available USB ports.
    When it matters: When the projector needs to power accessories, read media, or support extra peripherals directly.

    Importance: LOW

    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.2 vs 1
  • Includes memory card slot
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST includes an external memory slot, while the average projector does not. 34.9% of projectors include an external memory slot.
    What it is: Slot for external memory devices such as USB drives or SD cards.
    When it matters: When you want to play stored media directly from removable storage instead of always connecting another playback device.

    Importance: LOW

    Mitsubishi WD380U EST includes an external memory slot, while the average projector does not. 34.9% of projectors include an external memory slot.
  • 27.3% brighter image
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (2,800 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
  • 0.18 inch larger DMD chip
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.7 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
  • 0.54 m shorter throw distance
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.5 m vs 1.06 m). The average projector has 1.06 m of throw distance.
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
  • 1 more USB ports
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
  • Includes memory card slot
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST includes an external memory slot, while the average projector does not. 34.9% of projectors include an external memory slot.
  • Includes VGA
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 43.1% of projectors include VGA input.
  • 3 more audio input ports
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has more audio input ports than the average projector (3 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.

Total
Overall
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
Connectivity
Audio & Features
  • No HDR10 support
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
  • Low native resolution
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
  • Lower output resolution
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
  • Lower contrast ratio
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (3000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
  • 70 inch smaller image size
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a lower projection size than the average projector (180 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
  • Limited HDMI format
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
  • 72.5% lower HDMI bandwidth
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (5 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
  • Old HDCP version
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has Old HDCP version than the average projector (1.1 vs 2.2). The average projector supports HDCP 2.2.
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
  • No Wi-Fi support
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • Basic light source
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
  • 17,000 hours shorter lamp life
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a lower lamp life than the average projector (3,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
  • 3 dB louder operation
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a higher audible noise than the average projector (33 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
  • 14,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (6,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
  • 106.1 W higher power use
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST uses more power than the average projector (340 W vs 233.9 W). The average projector uses 233.9 W of power.
  • 10 older model
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST was released earlier than the average projector (2,011 vs 2,021). The average projector was released in 2,021.
    May 2011
  • 32.3% heavier weight
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST is heavier than the average projector (4.1 kg vs 3.1 kg). The average projector weighs 3.1 kg.
  • No HDR10 support
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
    What it is: Support for HDR10 high dynamic range standard.
    When it matters: When you want the projector to handle mainstream HDR movie and streaming content instead of standard dynamic range only.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Mitsubishi WD380U EST does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
  • Limited HDMI format
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    What it is: Highest HDMI input format supported by the projector.
    When it matters: When you want to confirm the exact signal format the projector can accept from high-end modern sources.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Mitsubishi WD380U EST supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • Basic light source
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    What it is: Type of light source used by the projector.
    When it matters: When maintenance expectations, startup behavior, brightness stability, and long-term running costs all matter in the buying decision.

    Importance: LOW

    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.lamp vs laser
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    What it is: Number of bits per color channel for color depth.
    When it matters: When you care about accurate tones and refined image quality, color precision matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.8 bit vs 10 bit
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    What it is: Number of available HDMI input ports.
    When it matters: When you need a console, streamer, set-top box, and another source connected at the same time without swapping cables.

    Importance: LOW

    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.1 vs 2
  • 72.5% lower HDMI bandwidth
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (5 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    What it is: Maximum bandwidth supported by HDMI inputs, measured in Gbps.
    When it matters: When newer consoles, gaming PCs, or media boxes need more HDMI throughput than older projectors can handle.

    Importance: LOW

    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (5 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.4.95 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • Low native resolution
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    What it is: Native resolution of the display panel or imaging device.
    When it matters: When picture sharpness matters enough that you want to know the projector's true native imaging resolution, not just supported input formats.

    Importance: HIGH

    Mitsubishi WD380U EST has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower output resolution
    Mitsubishi WD380U EST supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    What it is: The resolution the projector can actually display through its imaging system.
    When it matters: When you want to know the actual image detail the projector can put on screen rather than just the source format it accepts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Mitsubishi WD380U EST supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.1280x800 vs 1920x1080
Total
Overall
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
HDMI & Gaming
Connectivity
Design & Power

Graphic comparison of Mitsubishi WD380U EST and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.9
232 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Mitsubishi WD380U EST?

  • High brightness (2800 lumens) effective even in well-lit rooms
  • Excellent ultra short-throw capability, projecting large images from very short distances
  • Sharp image quality with good uniformity across the entire screen
  • Long lamp life of up to 6,000 hours in Eco mode
  • Low maintenance with no dust filters to clean and easy lamp access
  • Robust connectivity including HDMI, dual VGA, and USB PC-free presentation
  • Quiet operation, especially in Eco mode (28 dB)
  • Unique audio mixing features with a powerful 10W built-in speaker

What customers dislike about Mitsubishi WD380U EST?

  • No optical zoom, which can make initial physical setup tedious
  • The focus lever feels loose or wobbly, making precise adjustments difficult
  • Remote control is cluttered with small, non-backlit buttons that are hard to read
  • Best color mode (Theater) significantly reduces brightness compared to other modes
  • Limited black levels and contrast compared to dedicated home theater projectors
  • Prone to the 'rainbow effect' common in single-chip DLP projectors

Expert reviews

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projectorcentral.com
20/07/2011
Mitsubishi WD380U-EST Short Throw Projector Review

The Mitsubishi WD380U-EST is a versatile WXGA (1280x800) ultra-short-throw DLP projector that delivers a 100-inch diagonal image from just 30 inches away without using an external mirror. It provides outstanding brightness, measuring 3,249 lumens in its presentation mode and a balanced 2,573 lumens in standard mode, while a dedicated eco-mode operates almost silently and extends the...Read more

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projectorreviews.com
14/04/2012
Mitsubishi WD380U-EST Ultra Short Throw WXGA DLP Projector Review

The Mitsubishi WD380U-EST Ultra Short Throw WXGA DLP Projector is an interactive, 9-pound portable projector designed specifically for educators and business presenters. It stands out due to its unique fixed dual-lens setup that achieves a native WXGA (1280x800) resolution image measuring 80 inches diagonally from a distance of only 25 inches. This ultra-short-throw configuration...Read more

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projectorreviews.com
02/04/2012
Mitsubishi WD380U-EST Setup and Menu

The Projector Reviews evaluation highlights the Mitsubishi WD380U-EST as a highly capable ultra-short-throw DLP multimedia projector that is ideal for ceiling installations, though it presents unique setup challenges. A major advantage of this model is its rapid startup speed and advanced advanced adjustment tools, featuring a full Color Management System (CMS) and custom user color...Read more

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projectorreviews.com
02/10/2013
Mitsubishi WD380U-EST Color & Picture Quality

The Mitsubishi WD380U-EST is a single-chip ultra-short-throw WXGA DLP projector praised for its solid text readability and versatile performance across various media formats. When evaluated using its native resolution of 1280 x 800, it produces a bright, highly detailed picture. A major pro of this unit is its single-chip DLP design, which completely eliminates the risk of color...Read more

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projectorreviews.com
02/04/2012
Mitsubishi WD380U-EST Video Performance

The Projector Reviews assessment reveals that the Mitsubishi WD380U-EST is a highly capable multimedia DLP projector primarily engineered for classrooms and conference rooms. Prominent pros include its aggressive ultra-short-throw fixed lens, allowing it to project a large 66-inch image from just 21 inches away. It exhibits robust brightness, outputting up to 2,550 lumens in...Read more

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projectorreviews.com
02/04/2012
Mitsubishi WD380U-EST DLP Projector - Review Summary

The Projector Reviews Summary outlines the Mitsubishi WD380U-EST as a highly capable, ultra-short-throw WXGA DLP projector optimized for classroom and boardroom settings. A major highlight of the device is its impressive brightness, which remains very good even when running in Low lamp mode, producing sharp images and a uniform picture layout across the entire screen. Additionally,...Read more

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projectorreviews.com
12/11/2013
Classroom Projector Report: Mitsubishi WD380U-EST

The provided classroom projector report evaluates two ultra-short-throw WXGA (1280 x 800) classroom models: the Mitsubishi WD380U-EST and the NEC U310W. The Mitsubishi WD380U-EST is highlighted for its extensive networking capabilities, Crestron Room View compatibility, and an impressive lamp life of 6,000 hours in economy mode (3,000 hours at full power), which helps reduce...Read more

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projectorcentral.com
20/07/2011
Mitsubishi WD380U-EST Short Throw Projector Review

The Mitsubishi WD380U-EST is a highly capable, filter-free WXGA (1280x800) DLP ultra-short-throw projector designed for cramped conference rooms and classrooms. Reviewer Bill Livolsi from ProjectorCentral awarded it a "Highly Recommended Award" for delivering exceptional value and sharp, corner-to-corner edge clarity without the geometric distortion typical of extreme lenses. Its...Read more

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projectorreviews.com
02/04/2012
Mitsubishi WD380U-EST DLP Projector - Review Summary

The Mitsubishi WD380U-EST is an ultra-short-throw WXGA DLP projector tailored for classrooms and budget-conscious schools. It delivers a sharp, uniform image across the screen and maintains strong brightness levels even when operating in Low lamp mode. Key structural and functional advantages include filter-free operation, a lamp design that is easily accessible during ceiling...Read more

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